must know information - mccs okinawa// pcs orders service members should review the permanent change...
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Must Know Information JUNE 2017
For Marines, Sailors, and families relocating to Okinawa
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Relocation Services 1
Unaccompanied Service Members PCSing to Okinawa 1
PCS Orders 3
Military ID, Passports & Re-Entry Stamps 4
Electronic Welcome Aboard Package 5
Overseas Suitability Screening (OSS) for Family Members 5
Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval 6
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) 7
Firearms, Weapons, & Ammunitions 9
Pet Information 10
Pet Importation Process 10
Flying with Pets 10
Banned Dog Breeds 12
Pets and Military Family Housing 12
Housing/Household Goods 14
Military Family Housing (MFG) for Accompanied Personnel 14
Mandatory Bachelor Quarters Policy 16
Dual Service Members and Housing/Billeting 16
Household Goods (HHG) Weight Restrictions 17
Furnishings 18
Entitlements 19
IPAC Check-In and Entitlements 19
Delayed Family Member Travel for USMC Service Members 22
Arrival/Check-In Information 24
Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Brief 24
Operators Permit for Civilian Vehicles (SOFA Driver’s License) 25
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIS) 26
Cell Phone Contracts 26
Child Supervision Guidelines 27
Summary of Changes 28
Relocation Services Pg. 1
Relocation Services
Please contact the Marine & Family Programs-Resources Center with any relocation
questions so that we may direct you to the appropriate section.
DSN: (315) 645-8395/7494
Commercial: 011-81-98-70 395/7494
Email: [email protected]
Unaccompanied Service Members PCSing to Okinawa
Marines and Sailors reporting to Marine Corps commands:
MCIPAC/III MEF (MCB, 1st MAW, 3RD MLG, and 3rd MAR DIV)
This applies to all USMC and USN E-5 and below (unaccompanied) assigned to
USMC units on Okinawa.
This information pertains to unaccompanied personnel (E-5 and below) reporting to
USMC/USN commands on Okinawa. There are two major airports/terminals in
which military service members and their families will arrive through.
Unaccompanied Marines and Sailors E-6 and above personnel are not impacted by
this information.
The JRC Bus
normally arrives
around 2000 to the
Naha Airport and
leaves after the last
flight has arrive.
NAHA Airport: When unaccompanied service members (E-5 and
below) assigned to USMC units arrive at the Naha Domestic Airport,
they should look for a Marine in uniform with a brassard saying Joint
Reception Center (JRC) and holding a JRC sign. The representative
will take all the unaccompanied service members to a bus that will
transport them to the JRC barracks on Camp Foster. If there is no JRC
representative at the airport, the inbound service member should look
for a red and blue Marine Corps sign with the JRC contact information
and call the JRC Duty Driver phone number for bus pick up.
If they need to contact the JRC Driver, the duty number is 090-6861-
4727. Once contacted, the driver will go and pick them. The Airport
Information Desk also has a base DSN access number. The Barracks
Duty can be contacted at 645-5170.
KADENA Air Force Base/AMC Terminal: When unaccompanied
Relocation Services Pg. 2
Marines/Sailors assigned to USMC units arrive at the Kadena AMC
Terminal; they need to locate a USMC JRC or PMO representative
after exiting the aircraft. The JRC/PMO personnel will provide the
arriving service members w i t h directions. JRC/PMO personnel
will provide a quick brief to newly arrived service members
. barracks, before being processed in and taken to the JRC barracks.
Sailors: Reporting to 3rd Dental Battalion/ Naval Dental Clinic
Service members reporting to 3rd Dental Battalion should board the
JRC bus upon arrival to either the Naha Airport or the Kadena Air
Force Base/AMC Terminal as well. Upon completion of the JRC in-
processing, the Sailor will be released to 3rd Dental Battalion.
Contact information for 3rd Dental Sponsorship Coordinator
DSN: (315) 645-3529
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-3529
Front Desk: (315) 645-2390
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-2390
Email: usn.butler.navdencenokinawaja.list.ndocki-cmd-
Website:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/3denoki/IncomingPersonnel/
Pages/default.apsx
Sailors reporting to
the USNH will be
picked up at the
airport by their
sponsor.
Sailors (E-5 and below) reporting to the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Okinawa
They should NOT take the JRC bus or go to the JRC Barracks. USNH
has a command in-processing/indoctrination program that is separate
from JRC. Incoming USNH Sailors will be picked up by their sponsor
or a USNH command representative at their arrival points and then be
taken to the USNH barracks. It is strongly suggested that incoming
USNH Sailors contact their command and coordinate their arrival
prior to arriving on Okinawa.
Contact information for the USNH Sponsorship Program
DSN: (315) 646-7540
Commercial: 011-81-98-971-7540
Email:
Relocation Services Pg. 3
Website:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhoki/SitePages/Welcome/Spons
or.aspx
Sailors (E-5 and below) reporting to Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa
(CFAO)
Sailors reporting to
CFAO will be
picked up at the
airport by their
sponsor.
As with USNH, CFAO Sailors should NOT take the JRC bus or go to
the JRC barracks. CFAO Sailors are picked up either by a command
representative or their sponsors. Like USNH, CFAO has a command
in-processing/indoctrination program that is separate from JRC.
It is strongly suggested that incoming CFAO Sailors contact their
command and coordinate their arrival prior to arriving on Okinawa.
Contact information for CFAO Sponsorship Program
DSN: (315) 634-8245
Commercial from CONUS: 011-81-98-961-8245
Website:
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/intallations/cfa_okinawa.html
PCS Orders
Service members should review the permanent change of station orders to ensure
awareness and understanding of all applicable entitlements to include current
household goods weight restrictions and allowances, military pay and allowances,
local housing policies, Government of Japan pet importation regulations and
additional information as may be necessary on a case-by-case basis, immediately
upon receipt. In addition, they should revise their military orders to ensure details
regarding family members are up-to-date and accurate prior to separating from his or
her detaching command. Also, saving electronic copies of important documents (i.e.
PCS orders, Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval) is highly recommended
since the member will need these documents when checking in.
Relocation Services Pg. 4
Children 10 years
of age and older
must have a
Military ID in
order to board the
AMC flight/Patriot
Express.
Military ID, Passports & Re-Entry Stamps
Inbound service members should verify that all their documents are up-to-date and
all IDs are valid at the time of departure. Name and initials should match on all
identification. All dependents, regardless of age, must have a passport. Dependents
10 years of age or older must also possess a valid military ID. Failure to provide
these documents could result in not being able to board the Patriot Express flight.
All family members must have a passport before departing to Okinawa. Family
members traveling on orders should obtain a No-Fee Passport in addition to a
tourist passport. The JTR states that military family members rate a no-fee passport.
More information can be obtained at the designated passport agent, IPAC Office or
through the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html.
Family members may also travel with their tourist passport in the event their no-fee
passport is delayed. No matter what passport they use, they must have military orders
and Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval with them.
Service members can travel to Japan with original orders and military I.D, however, it
is highly recommended that they obtain a tourist passport, especially if they plan on
traveling to other neighboring countries during their tour in Japan.
No-fee passports should not be used when visiting other countries for leisure travel.
No-fee passports are intended for official business only (from the United States and
back). Service members are also highly encouraged to obtain a tourist passport before
departing to Okinawa.
Foreign-born spouses do not rate a No-fee passport until they become a U.S. Citizen.
They can travel to Japan with their original passport. If the foreign-born spouse is not
a Japanese citizen, they will need to check with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate to
find out the entry/visa requirements for the country’s passport they hold.
Non-U.S. citizens should also contact Immigration and Naturalization Services and
inquire about their immigration status just in case they have to return to the United
States after coming to Japan. If they have received their Residency/Green Card or
permanent visa to stay in the U.S., they should not have any issues returning.
DoD Civilian employees and active duty/civilian family members are REQUIRED
to obtain a Multiple Exit/Re-entry Permit stamp on their passport to ensure exit from
and re-entry to Japan with ease. The Multiple Exit/Re-entry Permit stamp for
passports are issued by most Installation Personnel Administrative Centers (IPAC)
Relocation Services Pg. 5
on Okinawa and by the MCB PMO Customs Office during normal working hours.
Navy personnel may also obtain the Multiple Exit/Re-entry stamp through the
Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). A copy of the member’s Military Orders or
Letter of Employment (civilian) along with the passport(s) are required to obtain the
permit stamps at the designated locations.
On an emergency basis, DoD Civilian employees and active duty/civilian family
members can obtain a Multiple Exit/Re-entry Permit stamp in their passport
from a customs official at the Kadena Air Base/AMC Terminal prior to
departure.
Electronic Welcome Aboard Package
Access the Electronic Welcome Aboard Package (EWAP) to obtain more information
at: http://www.mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard/
The EWAP contains helpful information pertaining to the Newcomers’ Orientation,
the Housing process, BEQ/BOQ/TLA policies, a Pet Importation Booklet, and much
more.
***MCCS Okinawa has a new website which is still a work in progress and some
issues may occur when clicking on the website links. If you have any problems,
please email the Marine & Family Programs-Resources, Relocation Section or dial:
DSN: (315) 645-8395/7494
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-8395/7494
Email: [email protected]
It is recommended
for the member
and accompanying
dependents to
begin the OSS
process within the
first 30 days of
receiving orders
Overseas Suitability Screening (OSS) for Family Members
Upon receipt of PCS orders to Okinawa, service members with accompanied orders
must start the OSS process for ALL family member(s). This process involves
medical, dental and educational screenings which will identify if the family
member(s) has any special needs on these areas and if the US Naval Hospital,
Okinawa will have the resources to service these needs during the family’s mandated
tour.
The service member’s losing command, the area Suitability/Overseas Screening
Coordinator or the nearest Medical Treatment Facility can provide information about
the OSS process. For an overview of the OSS process and a list of required
documents/forms to be completed please visit the Okinawa Naval Hospital website.
Relocation Services Pg. 6
Okinawa Overseas Screening Committee:
DSN: (315) 645-646-7408
Commercial: 011-81-98-971-7408
Email: usn.butler.navhospokinawaja.mesg.nhoki-
Website:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhoki/SitePages/Services/OSS
.aspx
Once the family member completes the OSS process and is found SUITABLE to
come to Okinawa, their paperwork must be submitted to IPAC/PSD requesting an
Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval (DEA).
Service Members
must have an
Approved Area
Clearance or
Dependent Entry
Approval to rate
entitlements
overseas.
Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval
To be granted an Area Clearance/DEA for dependents, the member must complete a
REPORT of SUITABILITY for OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENT NAVPERS 1300/16
application.
Dependents must complete a medical Suitability Screening as a prerequisite to
completing the NAVPERS 1300/16 REPORT of SUITABILITY application. The
medical screening process is explained through the U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa
website. All required medical documents are also available through this site.
In addition to the medical screening prerequisite, members must have sufficient time
on their contract to execute the 36-month accompanied tour requirement.
ALL family members must have an approved Area Clearance/DEA before
departing to Okinawa. The service member should not detach from the losing
command until his/ her family has received an approved message from MCB Butler.
The MCB Area Clearance Office is seeing an increase in preparation issues from the
detaching commands (i.e. not including necessary attachments/appendices, sending
to the incorrect PLAD address). In addition, recent trends indicate that family
members are missing/not included from the service member’s orders, with this error
not being caught until arriving on Okinawa. Area clearance approvals are prepared
based on the member's confirmed dependents in MCTFS. Members are advised to
contact their parent Command to conduct a dependent audit to add new dependents
and confirm the accuracy of the dependents’ information. Failure to ensure this
information is correct could result in delays to approve the request at the Area
Clearance Office.
Relocation Services Pg. 7
Navy personnel
attached to USMC
units should submit
their request for a
DEA using the
PLA address.
Upon completion of the Medical Overseas Screening and receipt of Permanent Change
of Station Orders (PCSO) that directs a Marine and his/her family members to any
Monitor Command Code (MCC) on Okinawa; the losing Command will submit the
request for an Area Clearance approval. Requests must be submitted using the
following Plain Language Address (PLA) to:
CG MCB CAMP BUTLER JP G-1(UC)
CG MCB CAMP BUTLER JP(UC)
CG MCIPAC G1(UC)
Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps Commands on Okinawa will submit their
Dependent Entry Approval to IPAC via PLA addresses described above. However, if
the Navy Personnel is assigned to a Navy command such as CFAO or USNH, the
losing command will submit their request via DMS to: PERSUPP DET OKINAWA
KADENA JA//N-1// per the current editions of NMPCINST 4650.3 (Series) and MCO
P1000.6 (Series). For additional assistance concerning the DEA for personnel attached
to Navy commands please contact:
PSD Okinawa
DSN: 634-6310/6316
For more information or assistance regarding the Area Clearance, please contact the
following personnel:
Area Clearance Coordinator
IPAC Customer Service Section
DSN: (315) 645-8512.
Also handles Sailors assigned to USMC units.
Once the inbound service member receives the approved Area Clearance/DEA,
he/she must, once again, verify that all family members are listed. In addition, they
must check if all information is correct (SSN, DOB, etc.). If the information is
incorrect, the service member must request for it to be corrected before departing to
Okinawa.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Upon receipt of orders, transitioning service members with EFMP family members
need to ensure:
EFMP enrollment is current, including the Individual Education Plan
(IEP), Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the 504 plan. Ensure
Relocation Services Pg. 8
all copies of your EFM’s medical records are up-to-date and on hand.
If there are housing needs, make sure that all special accommodations
and modifications are annotated by the treating physician on page 7 of
the Family Medical Summary Form (DD Form 2792). For more
information on this form, please see your EFMP Case Worker. The
Okinawa DoD Housing Office located on Kadena Air Base will NOT
accept any medical Exception to Policy (ETP) without proof of current
EFMP enrollment. For more information or assistance, please contact
the EFMP office:
Okinawa EFMP Team
DSN: (315) 645-9237
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-9237
Email: [email protected]
All the required paperwork must be hand carried for assistance dogs that
help disabled individuals. Check the local pet policy to obtain additional
information for a smooth transition. For more information on Japan’s
pet importation regulations, please go to the MCCS Okinawa Webpage,
or refer to items 7 and 8 of this document. If unsure, contact the Okinawa
DoD Housing office for additional assistance.
Hand-carry a copy of your child’s current IEP/IFSP or 504 plan for any
children receiving specialized services in school.
Check in with a
representative
during the NOWA
Information Fair.
Make sure that the EFMP Family Transition Checklist, located on the
EFMP page of the MCCS Okinawa webpage, is completed.
Upon arrival to Okinawa, stop by the EFMP information table during
the Newcomer’s Orientation Information Fair and check-in with the
Okinawa EFMP office located on Camp Foster in Building 495.
Additional information on the Exceptional Family Member Program or
on transitioning to the Okinawa, can be found by visiting the EFMP
webpage located at www.mccsokinawa.com/efmp.
Relocation Services Pg. 9
Firearms, Weapons, & Ammunitions
U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) members are NOT AUTHORIZED to import or
possess handguns, short barrel shotguns/rifles, silencers, replicas, pellet and air soft guns in Japan.
Japan has very strict laws regarding firearms, ammunition and other weapons
(knives). Violations are taken very seriously by the Government of Japan (GOJ).
Sporting firearms (shotguns, rifles) must have Commander’s pre-approval and attain
all required paperwork from customs prior to purchase.
ADVANCE APPROVAL is required from the gaining installation before shipping
any FIREARMS into Japan. Firearms are also prohibited in military family housing
as per the DoD housing Office Military Family Housing Brochure.
All individuals coming to Okinawa should thoroughly check their gear to ensure
there is no ammunition in their luggage. If ammunition is found after entering
Japan at the airport, the service member will be detained in Japanese custody for
a violation of Japanese law. Once detained, the military chain of command will
be notified.
There are also rules and regulations in Japan pertaining to the possession of
knives. The blade must be less than 2 3/8 inches. Individuals on their way to a
diving site may have a dive knife with them, but only while participating in that
recreational activity. For more information, please contact the following
personnel:
Provost Marshall Customs
DSN (315)645-2217
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-2217
Staff Judge Advocate
DSN: (315)645-7177
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-7177
Pet Information Pg. 10
Pet Information
Pet Importation Process
The process to bring a pet to Japan can be very extensive (6-9 months). We recommend
that service members start this process as early as possible by visiting a Veterinary
Facility (preferably on-base vet clinic, if available). All steps of the process must be
completed in order to avoid delay. The pet process includes the following: 1) Microchip,
2) Vaccines, 3) Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) rabies blood test ,
4) Quarantine, 5) Health Certificate, 6) Advanced Notification. There are a couple of
websites that you can visit to obtain information about bringing your pets to Okinawa.
MCCS Okinawa Electronic Welcome Aboard Package located at
http://www.mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard/, click on "Housing &
Pets” and then click on the “Pet Information" link which will access a
booklet called "Importing Pets into Japan". This booklet covers the
pet importation process step-by-step.
Japan District Veterinarian Command
website located at:
http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/ve
t/import.aspx.
Japan Animal Quarantine Service
website located at:
http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/co
ntactus.html
During peak PCS
season, PTO
recommends to
begin reservations
for pet travel on
AMC flights 90
days in advance.
Flying with Pets
Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights will take pets and cages weighing a total of
150 lbs. Spaces, for pets, however, are limited on AMC. If traveling commercially,
pets with their cage weighing over a combined of 100 lbs. will probably have to go
cargo, which is much more expensive. The best option is to travel through AMC, but
they are limited to 13 pet spaces per flight. Therefore, booking in advance is essential
for getting a spot for the pet on AMC.
Pet Information Pg. 11
Traveling during
the Summer time?
Check with the
airline regarding
the Heat Embargo.
When AMC flights are not available for travel, the Passenger Travel Office is
required to book tickets through United Airlines for those flying from U.S. East
Coast destinations and with Delta or American Airlines for those flying from U.S.
West Coast destinations. Traveling with pets tends to be smoother through United
Airlines, as they have a partnership with All Nippon Airlines (ANA), which is a
“pet-friendly” airline. Those flying American and Delta Airlines, however, are
having issues as their connections in Japan (Jet Star/JAL) are not “pet-friendly”
airlines. The Passenger Travel Office (PTO) is working to resolve this issue. For
more information, please contact PTO:
DSN: (315) 645-3899/3946
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-3899/3946
Email [email protected]
During the periods of 15 May thru 30 September most commercial airlines declare a
pet embargo if the outside temperature reaches 85 degrees or more. Short-nose
breeds, or mixed breeds exhibiting short nose characteristics may not be accepted to
fly by the airline during this time period. Please check with the airline to find out
what restrictions/regulations they have regarding flying pets.
U.S. flagged airlines will no longer transport certain dog breeds, particularly the
English bulldog or mixes of this breed at all. The Patriot Express still transports
them, but space for pets is not guaranteed and is very limited throughout the year.
We highly suggest that service members check with the airlines for
regulations/restrictions/policies regarding short-nosed dogs before starting the
process to bring pets to Okinawa.
The State.gov website (http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10442.htm) has a lot of helpful
information for those traveling commercially with their pets to include the following:
American Airlines:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp Reservations: 1 (800) 433-7300
Air Cargo Section: 1 (800) 227-4622
Delta:
http://delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_travel_options/index.jsp
Reservations: 1 (800) 241-4141
Live Animal Desk: 1 (888) 736-3738 or 1 (888) SEND PET or 1 (866) 782-
2746
Pet Information Pg. 12
United Airlines:
www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/animals/exceptions.aspx
International Reservations: 1 (800) 538-2929
Live Cargo: 1 (800) 825-3788
Banned Dog Breeds
According to AFI32-6001_AFGM2017-01 and IIIMEF/MCIPACO 10570.1,
certain dog breeds are prohibited in all Military Family Housing (MFH) on
Okinawa. The following breeds have been identified as restricted breeds:
Pit Bull (full or mixed breed)
Rottweiler (full or mixed breed)
Canid-wolf hybrid (full or mixed breed)
Doberman Pincher (full or mixed breed)
Chow (full or mixed breed)
Please note that having one of these breeds is NOT justification to be granted
permission to reside in off-base housing.
Service members
can submit the Pet
Registration Form
along with their
advance housing
application to
facilitate the
housing process.
Pets and Military Family Housing
All pet owners must ensure their dogs and cats are properly registered with the Base
Veterinary Facility (VTF) within three days (72 hours) of arrival. All MFH residents
will be required to complete the Pet Registration Form prior to assignment to MFH.
Two domestic pets per household, defined as a cat, dog or a combination, are allowed
in single dwelling units, duplexes, multiplex units and towers. In tower buildings,
cats are allowed on all floors; however, dogs are only allowed on the first, second and
third floors.
Before making arrangements to bring a pet to Okinawa, you are strongly encouraged
to contact the Housing Office at least 30 days prior to arrival to ensure pet friendly
housing is available. Having a pet does not guarantee placement in a particular
housing unit. Placement is based on availability and the member's entitlement. The
Pet Information Pg. 13
non-availability of pet friendly housing is not a justification to turn down a housing
offer.
****************************PLEASE NOTE**************************
Due to the significant amount of construction currently underway in military housing,
on base housing will be extremely limited. This may affect the service member’s
ability to obtain a pet-friendly home on base. Service members are encouraged to
contact Kadena Housing Office with further questions at (315) 634-0582 or via email
********************************************************************
Housing/Household Goods Pg. 14
Housing/Household Goods
A nearly $600
million, five year
renovation project
has begun for
military family
housing in
Okinawa.
Military Family Housing (MFG) for Accompanied Personnel
ON BASE CONSTRUCTION:
The Department of Defense is making significant investments into military
housing on Okinawa, which includes home improvements, such as heating and
air conditioning, kitchen and bathroom renovations as well as window
renovations. The construction project is currently underway and is expected to
be completed during FY 2023. Please note that on-base housing inventory may
be limited and families may be required to search for off-base housing.
OFF BASE HOUSING SHORTAGES:
Additionally, there are off-base housing shortages, particularly in “American”
style housing which probably will be in effect for an undetermined timeframe.
Families required to move off base may find the selection of off-base housing
they feel to be “suitable” to be limited, especially during peak relocation season.
Due to these factors, service members and their families may experience longer
stays in temporary lodging and be required to aggressively look for housing
upon arrival.
TLA SHORTAGES DURING PEAK SEASON:
During the peak relocation season, TLA housing at the government rates (on
and off base) is also in extremely short supply. During the past two relocation
seasons (May to September) there has been periods when no temporary lodging
was available at the established government rates for inbound and outbound
families. Any amounts above the established TLA rates are not reimbursable
and are at the individual’s expense. We anticipate this will be the same for this
year’s relocation season. We strongly recommend getting TLA reservations
made as early as possible.
The Air Force is the DoD Executive Agent for all MFH on Okinawa. According to
AFI32-6001_AFGM2017-01, all DoD personnel are mandated to live on-base,
unless housing reaches the occupancy rate of 98% or more based on service member
pay grade/family status.
Eligible personnel (36 months accompanied tour) can submit an Advance Housing
Application (Form DD 1746) to the Housing Management Office along with a
Housing/Household Goods Pg. 15
Service members
assigned to Camp
Kinser, Futenma
or the Naha Port
must Check-in to
the Camp Kinser
Satellite Office.
copy of their orders, Pet Registration Form (if applicable) and the Sex Offender
Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form. Newcomers must also report to the
housing office within 2 days after arriving on island to receive their in-processing
housing brief, be placed on the waitlist, and receive additional information on their
housing assignment. When visiting the Kadena Housing Office, ensure copies of
previously submitted documentation and a copy of the Area Clearance/DEA are on
hand. The flow chart below provides a visual representation of the housing check-in
process.
The Advance Housing Application (Form DD 1746), additional documents, and
contact information can be found at: http://www.housing.af.mil/Units/Okinawa
Failure to report to the MFH Office within 2 working days of arrival may result
in a loss of Temporary Lodging Allowance (III MEF/MCIPAC-MCBBO 7220.1A). This visit is necessary to verify your eligibility for TLA, and receive
counseling and guidance before entering into any written lease or rental/sales contract for housing. Navy Personnel should contact their command/PSD to clarify
Housing/Household Goods Pg. 16
how this policy affects them, especially if they are reporting to a Marine Corps
command.
Mandatory Bachelor Quarters Policy
The MCIPAC-MCBB Policy Letter 12-16, signed 16 June 2016, states that bachelor
and unaccompanied enlisted military service members in pay grades E-1 through E-
7, Warrant Officers in pay grades WO-1 through CWO-3, and Officers in pay
grades 0-1 through 0-3 shall be assigned to live in on-base bachelor
housing/quarters.
This policy also states that Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) will NOT be paid to
an unaccompanied military service member already drawing Basic Housing
Allowance (BAH) for family members back in CONUS locations. This policy applies
to ALL ranks, including senior enlisted and officers on unaccompanied tours to
Okinawa, who are not subject to the mandatory Bachelor Quarter assignment policy
discussed above. For more information or to view this Policy Letter, please go to the
Welcome Aboard Package at https://www.mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard/ and
click on the “Housing and Pets” tab.
Dual Service Members and Housing/Billeting
Before departing to Okinawa, dual service members must check with their new
command and the housing office regarding policies that could affect them. These
policies can vary depending on their branch of service, but the following are the
most common issues:
If both service members are on 24 months unaccompanied tours, they
do not rate family housing and will be required to live at the
BOQ/BEQ. Per MCIPAC Letter 12-14, if they desire to live
together, they must request authorization to reside off-base,
establish a joint household and receive Overseas Housing
Allowance at the Own-Rate per Joint Travel Regulations.
Dual military service members should contact their command,
sponsor, or the Kadena Housing Office to obtain additional
information before heading to Okinawa.
If both service members are on 36 months accompanied tours, they
Housing/Household Goods Pg. 17
will not rate TLA if they arrive at different times without a dependent.
Therefore, the service member that arrives first must stay at
BOQ/BEQ and report to the housing office to receive information
about starting the housing process before his/her spouse arrives.
In addition, dual active duty service members must have
accompanied orders to request Government furniture.
Getting ready to
ship your
household goods?
Visit www.move.mil
60-90 days before
departure to begin
your self-
counseling on DPS.
Household Goods (HHG) Weight Restrictions
Okinawa is a weight restricted location. Please note the following when preparing to
ship your household goods.
Accompanied Marines are entitled to 2,500 pounds (net) or 25 %
(net) of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) weight allowance;
whichever is greater, which also includes your Unaccompanied
Baggage (UB) shipment.
Unaccompanied Service Members are entitled to 10% of their JTR
allowance or approximately 600lbs.
Neither the Distribution Management Office (DMO) nor the carriers are
responsible for staying within this allowance. If a service member
exceeds his/her allowance, the service member must pay all charges
connected with the excess weight.
Important Note for Navy Personnel: Navy Personnel should check their
orders for weight allowance and direct any questions to their command.
For any exceptions regarding this policy, contact or visit the nearest
DMO Office.
Effective 1 April 2016, the scheduling of all inbound and outbound household
shipments to and from Okinawa will be handled through Yokosuka. DMO
personnel foresee the potential for delays due to misrouting for inbound household
goods if the proper (new) routing codes for Okinawa are not used when originally
setting up and processing the shipments.
In addition, after 1 April 2016, the Okinawa DMO will still coordinate most
DMO services locally except for the booking of inbound and outbound
shipments.
Housing/Household Goods Pg. 18
For any questions or concerns, please contact MCB Butler DMO Personnel at
[email protected] or DSN: 315-645-0922.
Location USMC
Accompanied USMC
Unaccompanied USN attached to
USMC Unit USN attached to
USN Unit
Okinawa
2,500 or 25% of JTR Weight Allowance
whichever is greater.
Approximately 600 lbs. or 10% of JTR Weight Allowance
whichever is greater
Same as weight allowances as
USMC members
Both Accompanied & Unaccompanied
members allowed to bring full JTR weight
allowance.
Furnishings
Accompanied Marines and Accompanied Sailors attached to USMC
units- furniture and appliances will be provided for accompanied service
members for the duration of their tour. Information about the items
provided by the furnishings management office can be found at:
http://www.housing.af.mil/Units/Okinawa/furnishingsmanagement/
Accompanied Sailors attached to USN units- eligible to borrow temporary
government furniture for a maximum of 90 days after arriving in Okinawa.
Scheduling for temporary furniture can be arranged through the Kadena
Housing Office.
Unaccompanied Marines Service Members- bachelor and unaccompanied
enlisted military service members should not ship their household goods to
Okinawa. There is no space at the bachelor quarters to accommodate
furniture. If member is provided a Certificate of Non-Availability from the
billeting office (BEQ/BOQ) and given the permission to reside off-base, the
member can look for off-base housing that is already furnished. For more
information, please call the Housing Management Office at DSN (315) 634-
0582/0583.
Entitlements Pg. 19
Entitlements
IPAC Check-In and Entitlements
The Inbound Branch is located on Camp Foster Bldg. 5699. To contact IPAC Inbound,
call 645-6093/7980. The IPAC ID Center is also located at Bldg. 5699.
Non-JRC members (accompanied and/or E-6 and above) must report to the IPAC office
within 5 business days of arriving to the island. The Inbound Branch will be available
for walk-ins; however, on Thursdays, this office closes at 1200 for afternoon training.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR USMC IPAC CHECK-IN:
Orders (to include TAD en route)
All receipts (to include Temporary Lodging Entitlement (TLE) and/or
Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
Documentation from Airlines Company showing delays on the travel, if
occurred
Area clearance/port call
G-1 Reporting endorsement
Passenger Travel Office (PTO) Authorization for Circuitous Travel, if
applies
PTO Authorization for vehicle shipping, if applies
PTO Authorization for vehicle storage, if applies
PTO Authorization for Foreign Flag Carrier, if applies
Officer Qualification Record (OQR)/Service Record Book (SRB)
Tickets/Unused Government Transportation Requests
Dependent Travel INFO
Previous Admin Unit INFO/PTO if applies
Excess Baggage
o Limited to 2 bags per traveler not to exceed 70 pounds per bag
o Turn in all itemized receipts with baggage weight, per bag.
Claims that fall outside this will need approval by HQMC Manpower
Management Integration and Administration
Copy of spouses travel claim (dual military couple) unaccompanied
TLE (Temporary Lodging Entitlement) Receipts are a “must” to claim this reimbursement. Receipts must be itemized and carry
a zero balance.
USMC Members need to check-in with IPAC within 5 business days of
arriving to Okinawa or
sooner.
USN Members need to check-in with their CPC within 72 hours
of arriving to Okinawa.
Entitlements Pg. 20
DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE Unaccompanied members who have dependents that relocate from their residence
IAW their issued PCSO may rate DLA. They must ensure that the designated
location elected is a CONUS location and is written into their orders. A dependent
travel claim must be submitted upon arrival to receive this entitlement.
TEMPORARY LODGING ALLOWANCE (TLA) Sponsors are responsible for making lodging reservations at Government-approved
Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLF) for the inbound family to reside while awaiting
assignment to military housing. TLA is authorized to assist the service member in
partially offsetting expenses incurred during the occupancy of temporary lodging.
There is no entitlement to TLA while in a travel status or once permanent quarters
are occupied. Personnel accompanied by dependents must be prepared to pay $1250
to $3525 for temporary lodging and subsistence for the initial 10-day period. TLA is
paid based on the number of days temporary lodging is required and will be
reimbursed in 10-day increments. Personnel assigned to Okinawa will normally not
be authorized more than 30 days of TLA. To rate TLA:
Marines MUST use a government TLF (i.e., WestPac, Courtney or
Hansen Lodge) unless a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) is
obtained stating that the facility closest to their place of work is not
available for occupancy.
If the member stays at an off-base TLF and does not provide a CNA
from the on-base TLF, then the member's lodging reimbursement
under TLA will be limited to the government TLF rate, not the rate of
the off-base TLF.
For a family consisting of one active duty member and three
dependents, the cost is currently $125.00 per day for an on base
facility and can be as much as $300.00 per day in an off-base TLF.
Upon arrival, Navy personnel should check with their command pass
coordinator for current guidelines.
PETS (Dogs & Cats) ARE NOT ALLOWED in any of the Marine Corps
Temporary Lodging Facilities, so personnel will be required to make kenneling
arrangements. Service members can also elect to stay in a pet-friendly room at the
Shogun Inn, located on the Kadena Air Base Station. Please note that a Certificate
of Non-Availability (CNA) will not be provided due to pets.
TLA is not payable to members who arrive with non-command sponsored
dependents, members who arrive prior to their command sponsored dependents, and
Entitlements Pg. 21
members married to members without dependents who arrive separately (the
member that arrives first must occupy single type quarters until the other member
arrives). For questions or additional information, please contact the Disbursing
Office.
Camp Foster
Disbursing Office
DSN: 645-7036
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-7036
Sponsors are responsible for making billeting arrangements for their members
executing unaccompanied order to Okinawa. If billeting is not available for the
service member, a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) must be obtained from the
respective billeting office prior to the member occupying any temporary lodging
facility off-base. Without a CNA, TLA will not be reimbursed. In addition, the CNA
does not backdate. The service member’s sponsor must obtain the CNA before the
service member can stay at a lodging facility off-base.
REQUESTING ADVANCE TLA Advance payment of TLA is authorized and encouraged for personnel who may
require temporary lodging. Advances can be requested upon arrival (service member
must receive a reporting endorsement prior to submission). The TLA payment
process normally takes between 5-7 business days and payments will be made
directly to the service member’s direct deposit account. Personnel are required to
pay the full amount of their final TLF bill upon checkout.
Therefore, requesting advance TLA is highly encouraged if adequate funds to pay the
bill are not available.
TLA CLAIM IPAC is seeing an increase in service members being denied compensation for
traveling costs due to noncompliance of travel instructions specified on their orders.
We recommend all inbound service members to review their travel orders
thoroughly and plan their leave and travel arrangements accordingly. In addition,
please read the Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) informational brochure
located under the “Travel and Arrival” Tab on the Welcome Aboard Package at:
http://mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard/
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CHARGE CARD (GTCC)
GTCC can be used for Continental United States (CONUS) Temporary Living
Expenses (TLE) expenses before departing CONUS, and other travel expenses. The
GTCC can be used to cover temporary lodging expenses overseas. TLA is
Entitlements Pg. 22
processed differently than TLE and other travel expenses. Service members
receive their TLA reimbursement via direct deposit and may not be settled in with
other travel expenses through IPAC. This may cause a GTCC payment
delinquency if cardholder does not pay very close attention to GTCC account.
Therefore, it is the cardholder’s responsibility to ensure all charges on the GTCC
account are paid in a timely manner.
The Okinawa IPAC office has maintained their current OCONUS check-in and
check-out processes, as the OCONUS processes are not on the GTCC outbound
module. In addition, CONUS IPAC counterparts are not using the GTCC outbound
module for personnel transferring overseas/OCONUS. Okinawa IPAC has
requested and is awaiting guidance from HQMC on this matter.
If issues occur with GTCC during PSC travel (prior to checking into the new
command/duty station), the service member will need to contact their
previous/former command GTCC Agency Program Coordinator (APC) for
assistance.
IPAC Inbound Personnel will be present during the Newcomers’ Orientation
Welcome Aboard brief to provide additional information and answer questions on
the use of the GTCC and documentation needed to process travel claims. For more
information, inbound members can call the IPAC office at:
Camp Foster
IPAC Inbound
DSN: 315-645-9448
Commercial:
011-81-98-970-9448
Delayed Family Member Travel for USMC Service Members
USMC service members who must delay their family member travel MUST have
approval from HQMC to continue drawing their stateside allowances. Upon
reporting, if this approval was not previously obtained, their stateside allowances
will be stopped until the HQMC approval letter is received. In addition,
accompanied USMC service members who delay their family member travel DO
NOT rate Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) to stay at a hotel/lodging facility.
They are required to check into and stay at an unaccompanied Billeting Facility.
They can then request military family housing 30 days prior to their family
members arriving on Okinawa.
Entitlements Pg. 23
Delay of Family Member Travel is intended for instances where the family
members are delayed due to circumstances not controlled by the member. Delay is
intended for a short duration only, usually no more than 60 days. Requests for
continuing to receive a housing allowance other than the PDS will normally be
disapproved for the following circumstances:
Continuing spouse's education
Financial burden of relocating dependents including selling a dwelling
On-Base Housing waiting list at new PDS
Family Member employment and/or daily commute time
Conserving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) funds by not
relocating family members
Issues with flight arrangements for pet travel
MMIB-3 (formally MMIA) recommends members delaying their family member
travel review MARADMIN 238/06, Pay and Allowance Advisory Notice (PAAN)
27-06 and Reserve Pay and Allowance Advisory Notice (RPAAN) 25-06 for further
guidance.
Arrival/Check-In Information Pg. 24
Arrival/Check-In Information
Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Brief
Newcomers' Orientation is mandatory for the following members
All accompanied USMC and USN service members regardless of rank
All Unaccompanied USMC and USN service members (E6 and above)
Civilian employees
Family members (military and civilian)
Children age 10 and up
New arrivals are required to attend Newcomers' Orientation within 2 weeks of
arriving to Okinawa. Attendance must be confirmed prior to the MCB Safety Office
issuing the SOFA POV Drivers’ License (USFJ-4). In addition, newcomers should
bring extra copies of the service member's orders and copies of Area Clearance/DEA
for Tricare re-enrollment. If the newcomer does not have these documents, he/she
can re-enroll by going to the U.S. Naval Hospital at a later date.
NOWA is offered every Wednesday from 07:15 AM until 4:00 PM. Transportation
is available from the Westpac, the Eagle and the Hamagawa Lodge. The sponsor
must request transportation at the time of NOWA registration.
Once the final flight information is received, sponsors can register the service
members and their families for NOWA by calling the nearest M&FP-R at:
Facility Location DSN Phone Number
Camp Foster Bldg. 445 645-2104/2106/8395/7494
Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220 637-2815
Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425 622-7332
Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339 623-4522
Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429 625-2622
To register online for NOWA, please visit the Information, Referral and Relocation
webpage at: http://www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation
Arrival/Check-In Information Pg. 25
FREE CHILDCARE SERVICE FOR NOWA
Childcare is provided (free of charge) during NOWA by the Children Youth
Program (CYP) on a space-available basis and must be reserved in advance. Note:
Infant Care space is extremely limited. 1-2 days prior to attending NOWA, the
inbound family must complete the required paperwork and turn it in at the Resource
& Referral Office which is located at Camp Foster, Bldg. 495. Once this process is
completed, the child can be dropped off at the Child Development Care/School Age
Care Center/Family Care Provider the morning of their Newcomers’ Orientation.
Parents also have the option of attending the orientation at different dates so one of
them can watch the child.
ACCOMPANIED MEMBERS WITH DELAYED DEPENDENTS E-5 and below with accompanied orders, but who have delayed their dependents,
will be picked up by their sponsors, taken to the billeting facility and are required to
attend Newcomers’ Orientation. Unaccompanied E-5 and below will attend the
week-long Joint Reception Center (JRC) brief or their command indoctrination brief
(USN attached to USNH or CFAO).
References for Newcomers’ Orientation Brief:
Newcomers’ Orientation is mandatory as per MCO 1320.11G and
IIIMEF/MCIPACO 1754.1
Completion of Newcomers’ Orientation is also required before any
service member assigned to a USMC unit is granted off-installation
leave or liberty in Japan (IIIMEF/MCIPAC 5800 LTR CGOF of 14
Feb 13)
Attendance must be confirmed prior to the MCB Safety Office
issuing Status of Forcers (USFJ-4) Personally Operated Vehicle
Driver’s License in accordance with MCIPAC-MCBBO 5560.1A
Operators Permit for Civilian Vehicles (SOFA Driver’s License)
Ensure prior to departing from the states, your state issued driver’s license is valid
and in good standing. If you think you have a military exemption allowing your
driver’s license to be valid passed expiration, contact your state’s Department of
Motor Vehicles to confirm that is the case. You can also visit DMV.org to see
additional benefits for active duty personnel. The study guide for the licensing exam can be found on the MCCS welcome aboard
website under “Driving and Transportation” tab. The driving exam will be
administered during the Newcomers’ Orientation at 0915. Please bring a copy of the
Arrival/Check-In Information Pg. 26
service member’s orders and Area Clearance/DEA, valid stateside driver’s license
and military ID to take the driving test. For additional information please contact:
MCB Base Safety
DSN: 645-3183-2862
Commercial: 011-81-98-970-3183/2862
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIS)
Kadena Air Base (KAB), 18th Wing, implemented DBIS for entry onto Kadena Air
Base (KAB) during October 2013. Personnel entering KAB will have their
identification cards scanned at the installation entry control points prior to being
allowed entry. Everyone (active duty, civilian, family members) is allowed a grace
period, but after the short grace period, they will be denied entry to KAB until they
have completed their DBIS registration. For KAB access, you will be REQUIRED
to register your identification card (this includes all family members holding an ID
Card) at the Visitor Control Center (Bldg. 31) located at Kadena Gate 1. Military
Orders or Letter of Employment and I.D. Card are required for registration. For
further information and hours please contact
Kadena Visitor’s Center
DSN: 634-3437
Cell Phone Contracts
Cellular phone companies in Japan have an AUTOMATIC two (2) year renewal
contract, which means the existing or current two year contract, will automatically be
renewed on its expiration date, unless otherwise communicated with the cell phone
provider. Most of Japanese Cell Phone companies DO NOT have a “Military
Clause,” which cancels contract/penalties due to military orders/deployment. The
service member might end up paying a very costly penalty for canceling his/her
contract before the 2-year contract is complete. Also, service members leaving after a
normal three year tour might be subjected to costly cancellation and penalty fees.
Please talk with to your cell phone provider on Okinawa to find out if the company
has other options such as monthly and pre-paid agreements. Service members must
also ensure they completely cancel their contacts before leaving Okinawa. Again, as
with any contract, all service members should thoroughly read and fully understand
their contracts before signing them.
Arrival/Check-In Information Pg. 27
Child Supervision Guidelines The III MEF/MCIPAC Order 5800.1 w/ CH 1 mandates very specific child
supervision guidelines that apply to all Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
personnel both on/off the installations on Okinawa. While these guidelines are
similar to all installations, they are very strictly enforced.
Summary of Changes Pg. 28
Summary of Changes
The following items have been updated as of 10 May 2017
1.1 3d Dental BN representative no longer meets unaccompanied members at the airport.
1.2 Added PSD contact information as an additional resource to receive the Multiple Re-
Entry Stamp
1.3 Included Pet Heat Embargo information for members traveling with pets
1.4 Updated references for banned breeds in Military Family Housing
1.5 Added housing check-in process flow chart
1.6 Updated housing email address
1.7 Updated TLA policy order
1.8 Updated phone number TLA
1.9 Updated Mandatory Bachelor Quarters Policy & web link
1.10 Updated web link for Furnishings Management
1.11 Updated building number for Camp Schwab Marine & Family Programs-Resources Center.